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Blarney Blowout 2015: Amherst town and university officials praise planning, police efforts for calm party atmosphere

Updated March 8, 2015 at 1:37 AM;Posted March 7, 2015 at 5:40 PM

Blarney Blowout Press Conference

From left, UMass Amherst Police Chief John Horvath, Amherst Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone, Amherst Town Manager John Musante, and Enku Gelaye, vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life at UMass Amherst appear at a joint press conference at 5 p.m. to discuss the Blarney Blowout. The officials praised months of planning and a heavy police presence for a relatively calm and mild Blarney Blowout celebration, especially compared to the 2014 event. (Republican photo by Robert Rizzuto)

AMHERST — As of mid-Saturday, the 2015 Blarney Blowout had for the most part been calm and subdued, resulting in just six arrests.

Officials from UMass Amherst, the town, Amherst police and UMass police held a joint press conference around 5 p.m. to discuss what they regarded as a success, thus far dodging a repeat of the clashes between police in riot gear and young people which marred the 2014 celebration.

Amherst Town Manager John Musante said he was thankful the preventative planning efforts had worked out, with just a few arrested and treated by medical personnel.

"I'm pleased to report to you here at 5 p.m., we've had a successful day so far. We've had six arrests but no serious injuries or property damage has been reported," Musante said. "This continues to be a team effort. I thank students... for showing respect and cooperation to neighbors and the police."

Amherst Police Chief Scott Livingstone wouldn't say just how many officers were brought in, but he reiterated that mutual aid from 14 neighboring towns and cities were present.

"Things have gone as we hoped and as we planned. Out mutual aid partners have been great. We've been on scene since 7 a.m. and we'll stay out there as long as we need to," Livingstone said.

When asked what he thought about the 2015 Blarney Blowout compared to last year's event, Livingstone said the two days don't even compare.

"I don't think there's any comparison. All the initiatives that have been put into place, whether the restricting of guests or the officers on scene early, or the officers from all these communities engaging the students- it's gone very well," Livingstone said. "We will keep staffing the police as needed. Officers will continue to be in place into the night."

In total, according to Musante, 19 young people were treated fore a variety of conditions, although specifics weren't immediately available.

House parties continued into Saturday evening although as of 5 p.m., nothing too hectic was being reported. But as Livingstone noted, the heavy police presence will continue through the night, as needed.

Stick with MassLive.com for additional reports and photos from the 2015 Blarney Blowout.